About Our College

About BTC

BTC History

Bellingham Technical College began in 1957, serving Whatcom County adults as Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute, and was operated by Bellingham School District. In 1991, through state legislative action, the institution was designated a member of the Washington State Community and Technical College system as Bellingham Technical College (BTC). The college is located in a district of 2,210 square miles with a population of over 193,100. The majority of students are local, with a growing number moving to the area to enroll at BTC.

About Our Students

In the 2014-2015 academic year, the college served over 5,400 students. In fall of 2014, the student body was 51% female, 49% male, with 23% minority students. The average student age was 30 years old. BTC served 2,072 full-time equivalent students.

(Data source: BTC Operational Data Store)

Accreditation Status

Bellingham Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution. Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052, (425) 558-4224, www.nwccu.org.

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of BTC’s programs have national certification or accreditation. These are highlighted in the program descriptions and include Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Surgery Technology, and Veterinary Technician.

Advisory Committees

The degree and certificate programs at Bellingham Technical College rely on the involvement and support of approximately 375 business and industry employers and employees from the community. Advice and direction offered by experts in the working world ensure that students are acquiring knowledge and skills that are in demand in the workforce.

An advisory committee representing each specific professional technical field meets regularly with faculty of the same instructional area on matters of curriculum review and development, facilities and equipment, guidance and career advisement, employment opportunities and placement, plus public relations and promotional activities.

Drug-Free Workplace

BTC intends to promote a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure work environment. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College. The use of any unlawful controlled substance while in or on property owned or controlled by BTC is prohibited. No employee will report to work while under the influence of any unlawful controlled substance. A controlled substance is defined by RCW 69.50.201 through RCW 69.50.214 or pursuant to Title 21 USC Section 821 (Schedules I-IV), as now enacted or subsequently amended. Violation of this policy by any employee may result in a referral for mandatory evaluation or treatment for a substance abuse disorder. Disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment, may be imposed.

BTC recognizes drug dependency to be an illness and major health problem. The institution also classifies drug usage and abuse as a potential safety and security problem. Employees needing assistance in dealing with such problems are strongly encouraged to utilize the Employee Assistance Program, provided by health insurance plans, when appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bellingham Technical College provides equal opportunity and access in education and employment and does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), gender identity or expression, citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, religious preference, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, reliance on public assistance, sexual orientation, veteran status, or genetic information under any of its programs, activities and services. The College complies with all Washington State anti-discrimination laws (RCW 49.60) and the following federal laws relating to equal opportunity: Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action or the ADA policies: Executive Director of Human Resources, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360.752.8354. For Title IX/504 compliance, contact: Vice President of Student Services, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360.752.8440.

BTC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Accessibility Resources office at 360.752.8576.

2013-2018 Strategic Plan

Vision

Bellingham Technical College will be a recognized leader in providing innovative and effective technical education, maximizing student potential and supporting the regional economy through development of a competitive workforce.

Mission

Bellingham Technical College provides student-centered, high-quality professional technical education for today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Core Themes

Student Success & Access
Continuous Improvement
College Visibility with Strong Community, Business, & Industry Relations

Goals

STUDENT SUCCESS Facilitate student success through practices, structure, and policies.
EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION Promote excellence and innovation throughout the college.
ACCESS Increase options and improve access for all students through educational pathways.
COLLEGE VISIBILITY & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Strengthen the visibility and support of the college locally, regionally, and nationally.
CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
Create and maintain a welcoming campus that supports diversity, promotes a sense of community, provides an effective work and learning environment, and encourages respect for individuals.

Values

As a learning community, Bellingham Technical College is committed to educational excellence and equity realized through a positive, values-based campus environment. To fulfill BTC’s mission and vision, the college will adhere to the following values:

STUDENT-CENTERED Creating a supportive and inclusive community that results in a high level of student competence, professionalism, and success.
RESPONSIVE Embracing positive, effective change that creates opportunity and meets current and emerging needs.
COLLABORATIVE Creating and leveraging partnerships and resources to achieve shared values and goals for students, the college, and the community.
PRINCIPLED Promoting a culture of respect and accountability, reflecting integrity in decision-making, and ensuring responsible stewardship of all resources.

Bellingham Technical College Foundation

The Bellingham Technical College Foundation’s mission is to change lives by expanding access to quality education.

The Foundation Board of Directors and staff forward this mission by partnering with individuals, businesses, alumni, grant-making institutions, and other community organizations.

Established in 1987 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, the Bellingham Technical College Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Early on, the foundation’s primary function was to serve as a conduit for scholarship awards and gifts of in-kind equipment. Since the first staff was hired in 1997, the BTC Foundation has played an increasingly important role in enhancing student success and helping Bellingham Technical College reach its goals.

The Foundation Board has set ambitious three-year fundraising goals (2014- 2017), including the commitment to raise:

• $900,000 to support scholarships for BTC students;
• $150,000 in direct support of BTC programs;
• $410,000 to support the foundation’s “Greatest Need” fund, which supports a variety of initiatives, including: emergency grants, professional development, and the BTC Food Pantry.

There are many ways to support BTC through the foundation, including: making an annual or named scholarship donation, establishing an endowed scholarship through the foundation, donating gifts of stock or other assets, making a pledged gift over time, or donating equipment to support our college’s programs. If you or someone you know would like to support the BTC Foundation’s mission, you may do so online at www.btcfound.org, or by calling us at 360.752.8684. We are happy to assist you in any way possible.

BTC transforms lives. The BTC Foundation is privileged to be able to work on behalf of the college and to champion student success. The foundation is located on the second floor of the Morse Center Building (rooms 201-203).

Bellingham Technical College Foundation
3028 Lindbergh Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
360.752.8684
www.btcfound.org

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS

The BTC Foundation awards more than $200,000 in scholarships each year to an average of 50% of the students who apply. The scholarship application is available online at the beginning of the spring quarter with the application deadline typically on or around June 30th.

Learn more at www.btc.edu/scholarships.

College Calendar 2016-2017

NOTES:
* If registering after Tuition & Fee Due Date, payment is due within 48 hours. After quarter start, payment is due within 24 hours.
** Published Refund dates are for full-quarter length classes. Shorter classes are pro-rated. Please see the Refund Policy.
*** Published Drop & Withdrawal dates are for full-quarter length classes. Dates vary for classes with alternative schedules.

College Calendar - subject to change.
Visit us on the web at www.btc.ctc.edu/calendar

LIMITS OF CATALOG

Bellingham Technical College reserves the option to amend, modify, or revise any provision of this catalog and its programs for any reason, including but not limited to:

• A lack of funds to operate a program or course
• Unavailability of faculty
• A change in administrative or Board of Trustees policy
• A change in laws, rules, or regulations of the State of Washington which governs the operation of technical colleges.

BTC Map & Directions to Campus

How to Find our Campus

From I-5: Take Exit 258 (airport exit). Follow the signs - left off the exit, left onto Bennett Drive, left onto Marine Drive, left onto Lindbergh Ave. For College Services Bldg., turn left onto Nome St.

From Downtown Bellingham: Follow Holly St. to Eldridge Ave. After the stone bridge (watch for sign), turn right onto Nequalicum Ave. For College Services Bldg., go straight onto Nome St.

From Guide Meridian: At the south end of Guide Meridian, turn right on Broadway. Right onto Eldridge Ave. After the stone bridge, turn right onto Nequalicum Ave. For College Services Bldg., go straight onto Nome St.

BTC Campus Map  

Off Campus location: Technology Development Center (TDC), 1000 F Street, Bellingham: Composites Engineering

^{Instructional sites are easily accessible to students using wheelchairs or crutches. Building M is not barrier-free. Disabled students who wish to take a class at a site which does not accommodate their disability should contact Accessibility Resources at 360-752-8345 or AR@btc.edu.}